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Sticky BBQ chicken wings baked until crispy and coated in a thick smoky barbecue glaze with caramelized edges.

Sticky BBQ Chicken Wings

These Sticky BBQ Chicken Wings are crispy, smoky, sweet, savory, and coated in a glossy caramelized barbecue glaze that tastes straight from a sports bar or smokehouse. Perfect for game day, parties, tailgating, or easy comfort food dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: dinner, Main Course, Snack
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs chicken wings
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp butter melted
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Optional garnish: chopped parsley or green onions

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Wire rack
  • Mixing bowls
  • Tongs
  • Air fryer optional
  • Small saucepan

Method
 

Prep
  1. Pat wings VERY dry using paper towels.
  2. Preheat oven to 425°F.
  3. Line baking sheet with foil and place wire rack on top if possible.
  4. Toss wings with baking powder, oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
  5. In a small bowl, mix BBQ sauce, honey, melted butter, and Worcestershire sauce.
Instructions
  1. Arrange wings evenly on prepared baking rack without overcrowding.
  2. Bake for 20 minutes, then flip wings.
  3. Bake another 20–25 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
  4. Toss hot wings in the BBQ glaze until fully coated.
  5. Return wings to oven for 5–7 minutes to caramelize the sauce.
  6. Remove and let rest 2 minutes before serving.
  7. Garnish with parsley or green onions if desired.
Optional Air Fryer Instructions
  1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
  2. Arrange wings in a single layer.
  3. Air fry for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  4. Toss wings in BBQ glaze.
  5. Air fry another 2–3 minutes until sticky and caramelized.

Notes

  • Drying the wings well is the secret to crispy skin.
  • Baking powder works better than flour for crispiness.
  • Use your favorite smoky or spicy BBQ sauce.
  • Add cayenne or hot sauce if you want extra heat.
  • Broil 1–2 minutes at the end for even more caramelization.